PGP/SPD - Help please

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

I'm 20 weeks and I've got PGP, which started 3 weeks ago. I'm waiting on an NHS physio referral but the pain is now unbearable. I can't take any more pain, especially the trapped nerve pains inside my lady parts and the way my hips are now affecting my back (I have 3 separate long term back problems, 2 injuries, 1 nerve problem). I could probably just about deal with the rest of it (you know the sciatica pains, general hip pain making walking hard, the fact my left knee is now grating and hurting), if those other bits would stop. But they won't. I've spent the last 1.5hrs in tears the pains so bad. I can't take co-codomal or codine because they make me physically sick and extremely dizzy.

Oh and to make it worse, when not pregnant I take pain relief/ muscle relaxants in order to sleep because of my existing back problems. So my back is always worse in pregnancy anyway.

So my questions are:

1. How long did others have to wait to see the NHS physio?
   
2. How, on this earth, do you find a private physio that will do obstetric physio? - I've tried googling but too no avail.
   
3. any ideas for reducing the pain? I'm trying to keep my knees together, when getting in and out of the car/bed etc, I tried a thin pillow between my knees when sleeping but that just hurt my back more whilst not really helping with my hips much.

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Anyone? I really am desperate. I only got about 4hrs of broken sleep again last night and I'm struggling so much with looking after my very lively toddler (2.5yrs). How do you explain to a 2.5yr old why mummy can't play on the floor anymore? Or why he can't lean against mummy's legs when she's sat down? I'm trying to encourage him to play on his little table so that I can sit on sofa to play with him but I feel like a shit mom and there's another 20weeks to go.

I didn't suffer with this in last pregnancy, think it must be because of damage to pelvis and coccyx in a nasty fall on the stairs two years ago. Its hell.

[liesal79]

I had to wait about 2 weeks to see the Physio. Honestly tho, they talk through exercises similar to those you are already trying!
I have known them tell some woman, they have to use crutches or wheelchairs if it gets to bad. but a lot of it will go after preganancy, and I was told to basically grin & bear it!

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Thanks so much for replying. Thats quite depressing though that it was a grin and bear it kind of attitude! Only 2 weeks for you to actually get to see them though - Its been over a week since the referral was made and I've been wondering whether to phone up and make sure the registrar did put the referral though ok and there hasn't been a problem - I'll probably look neurotic but I'm in so much pain I'd do anything.

Really wish I could find a private physio, from my back problems I know private ones tend to be a lot more helpful. There just doesn't seem to be one who does obstetrics around here.

Another problem I'll have is I won't be able to use crutches - I'm too weak through my shoulders due to the nerve problem and I don't want to end up in a wheelchair. I also live in a 3storey house, with our bedroom on the top floor and nowhere else to move my bed to.

I feel over a 100, I'm falling apart at the seams!

[speak2me]

I'm currently 16wks with DC2 and my SPD has started to creep back in. My experience in first pregnancy was that it didn't start til about 24wks so I had less time to worry about it then. I ended up with a private Physio referral through work scheme (NHS would of taken 4wks and was just a group talk on how to move etc). My Physio improved pain for a few days then it would start to come back before the next visit a week later. I managed to get 8 sessions which took me right through to the birth. The Physio taught me some massage techniques and hip manipulation ( one hip aligned higher than other which was causing some of the problem), I could then get DH to help me with these at home In between appointments.
Other things I did first time round were: walk small steps slowly, get DH to help me in/out of bed and off of the sofa, pillows and cushions in between legs whilst sleeping- I ended up with about 4 or 5 by the end to keep my legs propped up, sit on a fitness/birth ball which helps with posture and keeping legs together.

This time around I have DS (24mnths) so I understand your frustration about not feeling a great Mum. I'm a SAHM now so I won't be getting the same Physio and Midwife has already advised me to go to NHS Physio session which again is a pointless talk on how to keep fit and move in pregnancy (I know what I'm meant to be doing!). I am thinking of getting private chiropractor treatment as I've heard this works. It will be expensive but if it helps its only for a few months and will be worth it. I've also read about serola support belts (different to other pregnancy and back pain belts as they are for pgp/SPD) and would consider trying one of these too.
I hope you managed to ease your pain soon.

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Thanks. I need to get a pump and blow the fitness ball back up then. I'll also have a look at those support belts.

I'm going to keep trying to find a private physio - there's got to be one that does obstetric physio somewhere round here, might even try and see if there's an chiropractor. Fortunately mom has said she'll help pay for one for me.

I'm a sahm too and tbh I'm wishing I was back at work - I had a nice easy admin job, with an easy commute and a specialist (£800) chair to support and align back and hips, that was made to measure for me due to back problems - I'm sure it would be easier than trying to look after DS at the moment.

[whohasnickedmyvodka]

I'm 16 weeks pregnant today and my spd has kicked in last weekend I must be so lucky I went to my drs on Monday was given codeine and I have a physio appointment on Friday afternoon I was on crutches from 26 weeks on my last pregnancy so I'm expecting the same again soon :(

[LabradorMama]

I have been where you are and you have my total sympathy. It's hell. I'm still suffering 11 months post partum but nothing like during pregnancy. It was tortuous.

I have a wonderful physio who has helped no end, I'd be happy to pass on his details but chances are you won't be in my area (Lincolnshire)

Keep pushing for nhs physio and ask around re private Physio. Apparently chiropractors are sometimes able to help and I found a great book recommended on here called 'pelvic pain during and after pregnancy' (or similar) which I found useful too

[LabradorMama]

Oh and YY to serola belt, great for moving around

[TheFairyCaravan]

I've had SPD since I was 19 weeks pregnant with DS2, who is almost 18!

Firstly, The Pelvic Partnership might be able to put you in touch with a private physio in your area who could help you. I, personally, have heard better results with osteopaths.

Your toddler will understand that you can't get on the floor, they can't climb on you etc. It will be difficult at first, but they will get it, DS1 was 20 months when I first got it, he understood quite quickly.

Your physio might be able to get you to use crutches, there are many different types, not just elbow ones, because it might be the only way you can stay mobile. I ended up in a wheelchair, and was in and out of hospital.

Keep taking paracetamol if you can't take the codeine, take it regularly. Don't miss a dose, it is surprising how well it can control pain.

Ice the joint. I freeze water in condoms (cheap ones from Lidl) because they are small and not heavy. They provide a lot of relief.

Get a body pillow. They provide a lot more support than a pillow between your knees.

Do not walk up and down the stairs more often than is absolute necessary. When you do put one foot on one step, bring the other foot to that step, so both feet are on one stair and repeat.

Rest as much as possible. No hoovering, pushing buggies, or shopping trollies.

Some women swear by Snoozles. I've not tried them.

If you can get some satin pyjamas are brilliant for turning in bed.

Rope in as much help as you can.

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

Buy a support now. The nhs physio won't give you one IME, and they can make a huge difference.

Make sure you tense your stomach muscles before you pick anything up.

Do lots and lots and lots of pelvic floor exercises.

Try to do things sitting down where possible.

I have a huge thick pillow between my legs for sleeping, a thin one doesn't keep your hips straight. But this may still not work for you. Another option is to prop yourself up in bed so that you can lie flat on your back.

Perfect dressing without lifting either leg off the floor (if you roll your foot from heel to toe whilst sitting down, you won't be putting pressure on your hips).

I'll try to think of some more. It's miserable and depressing don't be hard on yourself for not being able to do things. Use any help available!

[Oscarandelliesmum]

You poor thing, It is so shit isn't it?
I was on crutches from 20 weeks with my last two pregnancies, and the strechy girdle and the stiffer support belt. They were the things that helped, both given to me by my midwife. Phsio will just tell you to carry on doing the things you are already doing. I had one private session too but it wasn't any better than the NHS one.
Have you tried Tramadol for the pain? thats what I was given ultimately.
I feel so sorry for you, I am welling up as I type this rememberring how terrible it is.....I spent months all but house bound and the last two weeks immobile in bed before being taken into hospital for an induction at 38 weeks. The only advice I have is not to go down that route to be honest. I was so worried about all the drugs going into my poor baby that I accepted the offered induction, but my body wasn't at all ready for labour and I ended up on oxytocin (Why, why, why not an epidural??)with all sorts of feotal montitors as my poor baby was in distress of course all this meant I had to lie flat on my back with my legs open which is the worst thing ever for SPD as you know! It was unbelievable agony. Twenty times worse than labour. My pelvis went then my coxic muscle went into spasm and sort of jammed up. I was screaming and then kept passing out from the oxytocin that stops you breathing (only sometimes). Ended up with failed induction and way more damage to my poor pelvis and still a distressed, stoned baby. Sorry to give you my boring horror story, I tell it only to warn against taking an induction if they offer it. I really think two more weeks in bed or preferably a planned c section would have saved a lot of pain and trauma.
Do get the stretchy bandage and support belt though and use crutches, you sound like you are doing everything else right. Good luck and take it as easy as you can. I have three dc's so ended up doing more walking/ school runs than I should have whenever I felt able to (when the tramadol was working!) but I would always regret it and be unable to move by four in the afternoon if I pushed it early on. Take care, do you have good support at home?
(flowers)

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Thanks so much ladies. So many useful tips. Lots for me to look up and try. Thank you. Hope all you ladies suffering too get some relief.

DH is fab. He's coming in from work and sorting a lot of the house work, bless him. He's being really sympathetic.

oscar I must confess last Monday I requested a csection. I just cannot see how with all my back problems, that made my last labour difficult and now agonising hip problems, the in ability to open my legs anywhere near enough to push a baby out, etc I can get through a natural birth. Not to mention that I'm terrified of nerve damage down there if I do due to feeling like at least 2nerves are already trapped in my lady parts, I still get problems with the scar from my tear with DS too and am worried about more tearing/scarring problems. Plus I was already nervous as DS got in severe distress in the 25mins it took to get from 6cm to having given birth and was born not breathing. I never thought I would willingly ask for a csection. The actual consultant (rather than registrar) will meet with me at my 28week appointment to discuss.

[Oscarandelliesmum]

Good for you, Why!!
Stick to your guns with the consultant, I can't fathom why they offered me an induction rather than a c-section - plus the recovery time from the god-awful labour was just as long as with friends that have had c-sections, plus they don't still wake up in cold sweats remembering it all - uggh.
What do you take for your ongoing back problems?
Glad to hear you have a lovely dh too. Will you let us know how the 28 week appt goes? I will think of you!

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

Well I rang to double check referral for NHS physio had been processed and was told currently its at least 2 weeks before they even call to make an appointment! Ended up crying my eyes out on the phone - pain and hormones are not a good combination.

[TheFairyCaravan]

Can you get an appointment with an osteopath Why?

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

Why, I was told it would be a couple of weeks (you go to the top of the queue pretty much) but then got called with a cancellation for that morning the very next day. So you may be lucky with a cancellation. Will have my fingers crossed for you.

[Aghaidh]

Hi OP, I'm 24 weeks at the moment and in a similar situation to you. Woke at 2 last night with the pain. It really is horrible, isn't it :(

NHS referral was made 1.5 weeks ago, but haven't heard anything back from them yet. I managed to track down a private physio who adjusted the joints that had gone out of alignment. It helped for a while, but I need to make another appt as clearly things have flared up again. The physio recommended a sacroiliac belt from //www.appliedbiomechanics.co.uk. I don't know how much good that would be until you'd seen a physio though, as if you put it on misaligned joints, it's not really going to help.

Some of the other things that the physio recommended to me was engaging the stomach muscles and the muscles in your buttocks before walking. Basically, you want to pull in your stomach before you move, so that the muscles there are helping to hold the joints together.

Seconding the recommendation to talk to the pelvic partnership for help and physio recommendations. They're having some problems with their website at the moment, so call them rather than email. Their number is 01235 820921. Hopefully they'll know of someone in your area. Good luck!

[GoldiandtheBears]

IME the only thing that helped was rest. I waited 3 weeks to see a physio. She gave me exercises to do and a belt. Neither helped, only resting did. My parents had to stay with me for the last 6 weeks to help with my older child, do you have anyone that could offer that sort of help ?

My birth was extremely easy though. I am certain it was because of the excess of the hormone that causes this condition, the baby almost fell out it was so easy and very quick. The condition got better after about 4 weeks post birth.

A plastic bag on the carseat can help you swish around keeping legs together.

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

Oh yes, labour was easy here too. I think as soon as she started descending it wedged everything into place. I didn't have to open my legs wide at any point.

[TheFairyCaravan]

Labour was easy here too, 20 mins from first contraction to being in my arms!

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

Wow, and I thought my 2 hours was good going :o

[FuckYouChrisAndThatHorse]

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't push for a C-section if that is what you feel suits you best :)

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

OscarandEllies I missed your second post, I will let you know how the 28 week appointment goes. Tbh they only seemed willing to consider it because of my back problems (which had caused problems last time), as well as the hip problems. I really didn't think id ever be in a situation where I would ask for a c section but I do feel its now my best option.

For back pain normally I would take amitritilyne at night to relax the muscles, this along with physio exercises normally just about keeps it in check. Sometimes ibuprofen too. If it flares I would normally have diazepam and tramadol round the clock too. None of these are great in pregnancy and having read the relevant bits of the BNF (basically a drug dictionary used by Drs and Pharamcists, that lists problems in pregnancy amongst other things - DH works in pharmacy so his book is in the house) for each of them, I cant bring myself to try any of them in pregnancy. I wish I could take co-codamol or codine, as those are about the safest pain relief in pregnancy.



I've been having a look at the pelvic partnership website, will call them later and I'm going to look up those support belts.

[WhyOWhyWouldYou]

*amitriptyline

[Oscarandelliesmum]

Hi Why - I know exactly what you mean about Tramadol, I felt so guilty every time I took one, that's why I felt that the induction would be better for the baby.....Thank god I now have a healthy two year old. Support belts are def worth getting though.